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23 rooms from €346 per night
Photo of Fingal

“A retired lighthouse tender, now turned luxury hotel, anchored in the hip area of Leith. Cabins range from classic doubles to decadent suites. The design is luxurious with brass fittings, leather, and rich hues. A glamorous ballroom is ideal for a party and there's a fabulous little restaurant too. ”

“A retired lighthouse tender, now turned luxury hotel, anchored in the hip area of Leith. Cabins range from classic doubles to decadent suites. The design is luxurious with brass fittings, leather, and rich hues. A glamorous ballroom is ideal for a party and there's a fabulous little restaurant too. ”

Hotel Review

MV Fingal is a retired Northern Lighthouse Board Tender which has been given a £5 million maritime makeover by the Pedley Group and is now a brilliant 23-cabin hotel and ‘exclusive use’ venue – Scotland’s first luxury floating hotel. Part of the Royal Yacht Britannia trust, Fingal has permanently anchored a safe distance to shore in Historic Port of Leith in Edinburgh. No Quells required. Her Royal sister ship is moored close by. The moment you embark up the red-carpeted gangway a wonderful teak-decked floating world awaits. Opulence and the ‘story’ are the building blocks of Fingal’s restoration. The stamp of the ship’s history is a recurring motif throughout the interior, from the excellent Trident logo, to the characteristic diamond patterning drawn from lighthouse lamps which appears on walls, chair backs and carpets. The cylindrical glass lift amidships (custom designed for the ship) resembles the top of a lighthouse. There are no cramped bilge-smelling quarters or pump-action loos here. The ensuite cabins are luxurious, romantic and wonderful, individually configured to follow the tilts, slants and camber of the ship. Tarbat Ness, Muckle Flugga, Bell Rock, Ardnamurchan - each cabin is named after one of the Stevenson lighthouses which protected shipping from the wild Scottish shoreline, and were supplied by Fingal in her days of service. Other onboard features include original porthole windows, lovely Scottish Lambswool throws and cushions designed by Araminta Campbell in the Fingal Weave inspired by the changing colours of the sea and reflective lighthouse beams, and beautiful leather work in seafood green (a traditional colour found in ship’s engine rooms). The huge comfy Hypnos beds (bunks no more) have suede headboards embossed with the specific sea chart and lighthouse pertaining to your room. Noble Isle smellies have been selected for their Scottish-ness: Whisky & Water shower gel is surprisingly fragrant! And these are just some of the well-considered design details. There are beautifully veneered surfaces throughout the ship and the mirrored ceiling in the bar and restaurant area creates a rippling watery effect. All the cabins have doors opening onto the teak walkways leading to the spacious aft deck, and the magnificent Skerrymore Suite has its own private foredeck. Enjoy the best of Scotland’s larder in the restaurant on the main deck, or have a ‘run ashore’ to try the many fun and atmospheric pubs and restaurants in the up and coming Leith area of Edinburgh, many within 10 minutes walking distance. Hugely recommended as a fun and different hotel experience. Ramp and lift access gives reasonable accessibility, but this is perhaps a less suitable choice for young families.
 

Written by Caroline Townsend

Recommended For

  • City Style
  • Set in the hip Leith area, with numerous high-end eateries and bars within walking distance, this is a luxurious and unique stay
  • Groups
  • The magnificent ballroom is a unique and luxurious space for an event; hosting up to 60 people
  • Museums
  • View the fantastic contemporary art collection at Custom House
  • Great walks
  • Take a scenic stroll along the Water of Leiths river
  • Other Activities
  • Sample craft ales at some of Leith's microbreweries
  • Sights nearby
  • Compare boat notes at the Royal Yacht Britannia
  • Disabled access
  • Child friendly
  • Restaurant
  • Luxury
  • Romantic
  • Quiet
  • Quirky
  • Historic
  • Full of character

Facilities

  • Parking
  • Private car park for Fingal guests beside the ship
  • Restaurant
  • Walking distance restaurants
  • Bar
  • Wifi
  • Disabled access
  • Child friendly

Activities

  • Museums
  • View the fantastic contemporary art collection at Custom House
  • Great walks
  • Take a scenic stroll along the Water of Leiths river
  • Other Activities
  • Sample craft ales at some of Leith's microbreweries
  • Sights nearby
  • Compare boat notes at the Royal Yacht Britannia

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Other Reviews

Fingal

This former Northern Lighthouse supply ship has been transformed into a discreet, 23-cabin hotel in the fine dining hot spot of Leith. It's an offbeat, remarkably peaceful alternative for those looking for something out of the ordinary. Ask for a starboard cabin for more interesting views.

Originally published by The Telegraph (view article)

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23 rooms from €346 per night

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